By Asaye Bankole
The judiciary has intensified preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections with the inauguration of 375 judges who will preside over election petition cases arising from the polls.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, administered the oath of office to the judges on Monday at the Body of Benchers Complex in Abuja.
The development comes less than 70 days before the general elections and is aimed at ensuring that electoral disputes are handled efficiently and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
The judges are expected to hear petitions relating to elections into the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and governorship positions, as part of the judiciary’s constitutional responsibility.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dongban-Mensem described the exercise as essential to protecting Nigeria’s democratic process and strengthening public confidence in the judicial system.
She explained that credible elections went beyond the actual voting process, noting that the ability of the courts to resolve disputes impartially and promptly was equally important to sustaining democracy.
The Court of Appeal President maintained that the judiciary remained a critical institution in safeguarding the decisions of voters, defending constitutional principles and ensuring accountability in the electoral process.
She further revealed that 138 of the 375 judges had previously participated in election petition tribunals, while 237 others were appointed for the first time.
Dongban-Mensem charged the judges to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and impartiality while handling election-related matters.
She cautioned that their decisions would attract significant public scrutiny, given the political sensitivity of electoral disputes and their implications for the country’s democratic stability.
The inauguration is expected to strengthen the judiciary’s readiness to address post-election litigation and ensure that all electoral disputes are determined within the time limits established by law.
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